Quinton Wendell Baxter was one of the best footballers of his generation — but today the 58-year-old is behind bars after admitting a string of historic sex offences against three young boys.

Baxter, who is more commonly known by Wendell or his nickname “Woolly”, led North Village to the Triple Crown of league, Friendship Trophy and FA Cup when the side dominated in the late Seventies and went on to become a popular and respected coach.

However, away from the sporting success lurked a dark secret life that finally caught up with him at the beginning of this year and now means he faces a lengthy prison sentence.

Yesterday, Baxter, from Southampton, pleaded guilty to a total of 18 separate charges of molesting three young male victims back in the 1970s and 1980s during the Supreme Court arraignments session.

He appeared to wipe tears from his eyes as the graphic details of the abuse were outlined by the court clerk.

The first seven counts on the indictment, which included indecent assault, committing indecent acts and gross indecency, related to the first young victim and took place between 1973 and 1983.

The next six counts included indecent assault, committing indecent acts, attempted buggery and buggery and related to a second victim between 1978 and 1983. The final five counts included indecent assault and committing indecent acts on a third

victim between 1981 and 1986.

Baxter, who was dressed in dark trousers and a dark jumper, was remanded in custody by Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves after he admitted the offences.

A sentencing date is expected to be set at the start of next month.

His lawyer, Elizabeth Christopher, asked for psychological reports to be prepared on her client before sentencing and told the court that she would not be asking for bail for Baxter.

He was charged with old offences, many of which have been updated, and which existed at the time he committed the crimes.

Under the legislation that existed at the time, the maximum sentence for indecent assault is five years’ imprisonment, committing indecent acts is two years, gross indecency is two years, attempted buggery is five years and buggery is ten years.

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